₦airaland Forum

First it was Peoples Gazette that broke the news regarding the massive corruption and bribery behind the real reason why lawmakers fast tracked and supported Tinubu's illegal state of emergency declaration in Rivers state. Sahara reporters goes further to expose how Akpabio and other lawmakers shared additional dollars over Rivers crisis.....

Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.

SaharaReporters has uncovered that cash was distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to secure lawmakers’ support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.

According to the sources, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night to influence the approval of the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State.

SaharaReporters also learned that Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were among the key figures involved in organising the payout.

“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money,” one of the sources said.

“The venue was the Senate President's guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators were given $10,000 each last Wednesday night, and 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule.”

On Wednesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had allegedly provided funds to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This followed President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state on Tuesday, which also led to the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. that same day. Although the motion to deliberate on Tinubu's letter was listed as the first item on the day’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Following the postponement, the Senate moved on to other agenda items, including confirming nominees for the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate on the Rivers State emergency rule until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio,” one of the sources said on Wednesday.

“Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar after which he gave them dollars depending on their seniority.”

However, sources said some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.

“The announcement was made during Iftar," a source said.

"The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

"At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday)."

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns, including recent pipeline vandalism that threatened the nation's oil production.

This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state's House of Assembly for six months. To assume administrative control during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state's administrator.

In accordance with constitutional provisions, the President's declaration required approval from the National Assembly.

Earlier today, both chambers—the Senate and the House of Representatives—convened to deliberate on the proclamation.

Senate Proceedings

The Senate held a closed-door session lasting over an hour to discuss the state of emergency. Following this session, Senate President Akpabio announced unanimous approval of the President's proclamation.

The Senate invoked Sections 134, 135, and 136 of its Standing Orders, aligning with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, subject to legislative approval.

The Senate's resolution included the establishment of a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period. Additionally, a committee comprising eminent Nigerians was proposed to mediate and resolve the political crisis in the state within the six-month timeframe.

House of Representatives Proceedings

Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives also convened to address the President's declaration. The session, attended by 243 members, resulted in a voice vote that overwhelmingly supported the state of emergency.

The House recommended the formation of a national committee to facilitate peace and restore normalcy in Rivers State. It also resolved that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the duration of the emergency rule.

These legislative endorsements effectively activated the state of emergency in Rivers State, granting the federal government authority to intervene and address the underlying issues affecting the region.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/20/exclusive-akpabios-guest-house-hosts-dollar-rain-senators-pocket-10000-5000-back-tinubus

See as Wike fine.

Akpabio my guy, the man is a true gentleman.

Heheheheheheh

Your source is fake , i heard each lawmaker goot $100 million each.

Source: Sahara reporters

Laughing in Mandarin

Useless country. Major Tinubu and lt col wike

It is obvious that Nigerians are not serious. In a sane society, there should've been massive mobilisation at the constituencies to recall Akpabio and other useless national assembly members....

Riodiao:
Useless country. Major Tinubu and lt col wike

Godswill Akpabio is a man of honor and integrity.

The man knows how to play the game and he is doing it well.

What a shameful comment! Indeed you are part of Nigeria's problem.

tundegan:
Godswill Akpabio is a man of honor and integrity.

The man knows how to play the game and he is doing it well.

politicity:
It is obvious that Nigerians are not serious. In a sane society, there should've been massive mobilisation at the constituencies to recall Akpabio and other useless national assembly members....

But you and members of your family can’t lead the mobilisation? Abi your own na to Dey use mouth to drive airplane like Una agulu idiot??

You may laugh at the news source but Akpabio has a record of sending "prayers" to corrupt lawmakers. There was no widespread civil unrest or total break down of order in Rivers state to warrant the emergency rule.... In my opinion, the purported bombing of oil pipelines was theatrical and bogus....

helinues:
Source: Sahara reporters

Laughing in Mandarin

politicity:
You may laugh at the news source but Akpabio has a record of sending "prayers" to corrupt lawmakers. There was no widespread civil unrest in Rivers state to warrant the emergency rule....

The other senators, hope you are aware that all opposition senators are included

Yes I am not in support of any of them.... Nigerians should recall all of them..... The 10th assembly headed by Akpabio is a disgrace to Nigeria....

helinues:
The other senators, hope you are aware that all opposition senators are included

politicity:
Yes I am not in support of any of them.... Nigerians should recall all of them..... The 10th assembly headed by Akpabio is a disgrace to Nigeria....

So if they recall all of them, how much are you personally going to borrow INEC to conduct new election for those elected positions?

So you think recalling the useless lawmakers is more costlier than the damage that leaving them is costing Nigeria now and in the next 4 years. Nigerians have the constitutional right to recall their representatives, your cheap attempt to arm twist this or pretend to be ignorant is laughable. INEC will get the required funds from the state and federal government to conduct the election as it is a constitutionally guaranteed exercise....

helinues:
So if they recall all of them, how much are you personally going to borrow INEC to conduct new election for those elected positions?

politicity:
So you think recalling the useless lawmakers is more costlier than the damage that leaving in them is costing Nigeria now and in the next 4 years. Nigerians have the constitutional right to recall their representatives, your cheap attempt to arm twist this or pretend to be ignorant is laughable. INEC will get required funds from the state and federal government to conduct the election.

How much are you personally going to borrow INEC

Before getting it right with the new set of people, election must be conducted

Yes I already answered your question....

helinues:
Before getting it right with the new set of people, election must be conducted

Tinubu has destroyed all is left of integrity attached to our legislative

No one can blame Akpabio for taking care of his guests.

So they now agree the senate approved the State of Emergency in Rivers State


We made progress

History has a funny way of repeating itself , Rivers State as always been the topping point since 2003. Anytime a party is destined to lose power or an election the problem always starts with rivers State ,eg Rotimi Amaechi and gej, PDP Atiku lost to APC and the whole palava started from rivers State. Tinubu should be very very careful of this rivers issue as it can actually determine the outcome of his reelection bid

politicity:
What a shameful comment! Indeed you are part of Nigeria's problem.

Na BOT

FreeSpirited:
Tinubu has destroyed all is left of integrity attached to our legislative

Together with buhari and the notorious APC, they have destroyed the whoke country and her democracy

Rivers state is the London for over 3 million Akwa Ibom people,so HE@Akpabio doing any how over rivers State matter is a bad precedents.I rest my case.

"Ban the usage of foreign currencies" in the geographical expression-: the propaganda of liars & conmen & their supporters cum stipendists

No one cares about "use Naira" to strengthen Naira. See dem bribing themselves to hell with Dollars to sell away the conscience of democratic institution they Lied to oath to protect.

Tommorrow rapid dogs will tell you Civilian regime is better than Military. What is the difference between Military fiats & collecting bribes to truncate democratic institutions ?

Bobo Chicago was never a Democrat or a Progressive. He does not believe in democratic Principles.

He is only for the snatch, grab & running awsy with the spoils of undemocratic intimidations, disregard for the rule of law & subverting the wishes & cries of Nigerians for his selfish & political gains.

Na here we dey. Scores will definitely be tabulated for all those who destroyed institutions since 2015.

No peace for the Wiked

Pls who have read or watched the movie,
"Ali Baba and they forty thieves".

Salewa97:
See as Wike fine.

Akpabio my guy, the man is a true gentleman.

I could remember people like you during Abacha's time in 1993.

I also remembered how they later ended up with Abacha's death.

I can predict how your future will look like, but just continue.

You will forget everything but you will never forget this my message that you will never end well just like Abacha's supporters years ago.


👿👿👿👿👿👿

Smartcitizen:
I could remember people like you during Abacha's time in 1993.

I also remembered how they later ended up with Abacha's death.

I can predict how your future will look like, but just continue.

You will forget everything but you will never forget this my message that you will never end well just like Abacha's supporters years ago.


👿👿👿👿👿👿

people like Gringory Obi?

favor914:
people like Gringory Obi?

Well he is still the person who gave Tinubu that bloody nose in LAGOS before the INEC GLITCHES.

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Smartcitizen:
Well he is still the person who gave Tinubu that bloody nose in LAGOS before the INEC GLITCHES.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅

very funny clown, INEC glitches na be your excuse?

That's the only thing they know how to do in this country.
This administration is taking the country backwards

favor914:
very funny clown, INEC glitches na be your excuse?

Have you heard about that in any election across the world before?


I better be a clown than a criminal.


🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣